A couple of hours later, Kyle got off his bed to get into his pajamas. Not quite getting ready for bed but to just lounge around in. Since he really had no where to go tonight. Grabbing his crutches, he noticed that Chucky was staring at him. With a small smile, he said,"Just getting my pajamas on, dude. I'll be right back, I promise."
Nodding his head, he went back to doodling on the sketch pad he was given. A small smile on his face as he worked. It was kind of sweet in a strange way. Kyle ignored this as he pulled different pajamas out of his dresser. Then hurried to the bathroom to get a little privacy. He quickly got into his other favorite pair of pajamas. Picking up his clothes from the day along with his pajamas from last night. Stuffing both sets of clothes under his armpit before heading to the hamper. Once he shoved them in, he hurried back to his bedroom. Noticing that Chucky was taking a quick peek at Kyle's art book. The small smile on his face growing slightly. That made the teen sigh slightly as he hurried over to the bed. Gently grabbing the book back from him, Kyle said,"I really would've liked it if you had asked me first, Chuck. I don't like it when people look at my stuff without my permission."
"I'm sorry, Kyle. I just got curious about your work. I promise to ask next time.",Chucky stated. It sounded genuinely like he was sorry for what he had done. And he definitely looked like he was sorry for snooping. Though, he couldn't shake the feeling that it was faked. Like the Buddi was just pretending to be nice to get on his good side. So that Andy would take him back or something. But the teen had no proof that was really happening. And it made him feel paranoid as he got down in his spot, setting his crutches aside. Picking up his art book, he set it on his dresser. Then he picked up his writing journal that he bought himself months ago. Something that he promised himself that he would use every single day but never got around to. Opening it up, Kyle inwardly sighed at the sight of the blank pages. There had been a story idea at one point. One that he was going to get around to writing. Yet every time he tried it, it eluded him.
Or he'd get too stressed out to begin to write.
Now, he wasn't. And he still couldn't find anything to write about. With a sigh, he leaned against the wall behind him. Holding the journal to his face as he tried to think of something. Anything that would be interesting. Sadly, his day hadn't been all that interesting. Nor could he really think of anything that would be cool. After a moment of him thinking, he felt a tug on his t-shirt. Glancing down, he noticed that Chucky was grabbing his shirt. Tilting his head to the side, he asked,"Is everything alright, Kyle? You seem upset."
"I'm fine. Just having trouble thinking of something to write is all.",Kyle answered. Setting the journal back down in his lap as Chucky let go of his shirt. Turning to the Buddi, he continued,"I've been wanting to write stuff or a while. But I've been either too busy, too tired, or just not motivated enough to try. And I've wanted to for like, a month now."
"I just really can't seem to get started.",he added. Looking the Buddi in the eye, he shrugged as he toyed with the journal. Noticing that the doll seemed to have a rather thoughtful look on his face. That slowly morphed into a rather creepy smile. Chucky suggested,"Write something about yourself and Tommy. Like he's a Knight and you're the Prince he helps? Wouldn't that be wonderful?"
"That does sound like a cool idea, Chuck. I just might try that one out.",Kyle said. It did sound like a good idea. And he bet the other Buddi would love it too. Especially if he got to be a brave warrior protecting Kyle. The idea of himself being a Prince was kind of cool too. Even if he wasn't really a huge fan of Prince characters. Since most he'd ever seen were giant assholes who pretended they were better than they actually were. Putting those thoughts aside, he started working on the first chapter. Establishing himself as a lost in a deadly maze Prince who needed help finding his way out. Toward the end of the chapter, Tommy's character shows up. Decked out in thick silver armor and wielding an ax instead of a sword. The Knight had a special tool that would help them both get out of the lethal maze. While his ax would defend them against any creature that stood in their way.
The chapter ended with the pair starting to leave the maze. Which Tommy's character said would take them at least a couple of weeks. Maybe more if they found monsters.
When he was done with the chapter, he handed the journal to Chucky. Asking him if he could give his opinion on what he had finished already. Giving him a slight grin as the Buddi took the journal from his hands. Reading over what Kyle had worked on with a small smile on his face. While he read it, he seemed to mouth out a few words. Eyes glowing slightly as he read it. Soon as he was finished, Chucky stated,"It's good. Your Prince character seems like a resourceful fellow and the Knight seems like one as well."
"There's really nothing I can add or detract from it. But you should describe a monster in the next chapter if possible.",Chucky continued. Handing the journal back to the teen. The small smile on his face growing a little. He added,"That way people know just exactly how terrifying the maze is. And how dangerous it is too."
"Hmm...got a few ideas for that. I was thinking of maybe a cyclops or something like that.",Kyle stated. A blood-thirsty cyclops sounded like the perfect villain. If he did it right, he'd be eerie too. Scarier than most he'd read in books. As they just sounded like normal people with just one eye. Not very scary or intimidating in the slightest bit. He thought of ways to make the cyclops sound disturbing and far from human as possible. Kyle started on the second chapter as his little sister came in the room. Tommy following not too far behind her. Both of them climbed up onto his bed as they said their good nights. Giving him a hug and a kiss before leaving the room. Making the teen check his phone to see just how late it was.
His phone said it was eight-thirty.
Plenty of time to start on the next chapter before he went to sleep. While he worked, he kept a careful eye on Chucky. Wanting to be sure that he wouldn't leave while he thought Kyle was distracted. Strangely, he wasn't even looking at the teen. Instead he was just staring down at the sketchbook that he had in his hands. The one that Kyle had given him not too long ago. A small frown on his face as he reviewed his own drawings. Prompting the teen to put his pencil in his journal and set it down on the bed. Leaning closer to the Buddi, he asked,"Is everything alright there, Chuck? You look like someone stole your last cookie or something."
"I'm fine. Just kind of disappointed with how these came out is all.",Chucky answered. Showing him the drawings that he'd been doing. They looked to be of Kyle in a few pictures. Mostly warm up pictures before he started drawing other things. Which seemed to be everything in Kyle's room. Well, what little was in Kyle's bedroom. As he didn't have much aside from his bed, dresser, and a bookcase. Other than that, his room was pretty empty. Ignoring that detail, Kyle said,"I think these look great, Chuck. You're very good at perspective and shading."
"Also makes me realize how empty and boring my room is.",he added with a sigh. Oh, well he could save up a little money for furniture or other things. Chucky tilted his head to the side at this. Then glanced around the bedroom for himself. As if he just realized that Kyle's room was practically empty. Looking up at him, Chucky asked,"How come you don't have a lot of belongings, Kyle?"
"I don't need a lot of stuff is all.",Kyle answered. Which was somewhat the truth of the matter. He really didn't need a whole lot of stuff. But it would be nice to have a few chairs or maybe a beanbag for guests to sit on. That way people wouldn't have to sit on the floor when they visited. Whenever Andy could visit him that was. Putting that aside, he shrugged his shoulders as he picked up his journal. Opening up to the spot he had left off before. Continuing to write as Chucky watched him for a little while. Then turned his attention back to the nearly empty room. His mouth was drawn in a frown as he glanced it over. It was hard to determine what was going through the Buddi's mind. As he doubted the doll really cared about the state of his room. Or anything about Kyle in the slightest bit. He tried to ignore this as he continued on his story. Chewing his bottom lip as he continued to work.
While he was working, Chucky was comparing Kyle to Andy. How completely different both teens were. Andy's room had a lot of things in it. Lots of toys, artwork, tools, and games of every kind. While Kyle's room was practically bare. Aside, from a few of his little sister's pictures and drawings on the wall. The room didn't feel like a teenager lived there. All it felt like was just empty. He couldn't understand how Kyle could be comfortable like this. No toys, no games, and nothing fun to work on in his spare time. Aside, from his journal or art books. Which was easy to put away when needed. Something about that didn't sit well with the Buddi. Chucky glanced up at Kyle as discretely as he could manage. Examining the older teen's face as he did.
His face was much more mature than Andy's and more tired. Like he'd been through worse than the younger teen ever had been. Part of him guessed that he probably did. Considering he could see small scars on Kyle's face. Ones that he really hadn't picked up on the first time he saw him. Or last night.
There was a small scar from Kyle's bottom lip to the middle of his chin. Ragged as all out and a lot paler than the surrounding skin. Suggesting that it was possibly a very old scar. Most likely happened during his early childhood or something. Another one was on his left temple. A circle-like scar that deeply unsettled the Buddi as he stared at it. And one of the bigger scars he had run through his eyebrow. Going through it halfway. The scar was so ragged that Kyle didn't have hair growing there. Chucky toyed with the pencil as he studied them from his spot on the bed. Wondering how in the Hell did he get most of them from. Part of him guessing that Phil gave him some of them. Yet, he found himself unable to ask Kyle if that was true or not.
Instead all he could do was examine him.
His programming suggested that Kyle was just introverted. That he didn't like clutter and preferred to be by himself. Which seemed perfectly reasonable. Perfectly logical. But he wasn't entirely sure that was the total case. Chucky wondered if maybe he did this was because of Phil. Though he doubted it was all his Dad's fault. Or anything wrong with the teen. Aside, from him seemingly having to grow up too fast to protect his little sister. He wondered how much of a hand in this Joanna had. Whether or not he could hold her responsible for Kyle's problems or not. Putting that aside, he flipped to a blank page in the art book. Starting to write down things for himself. Nothing that he was going to show Kyle, as he feared it would insult the older teen. Who either didn't, or was refusing, to take notice of Chucky's staring at him.
Chucky wrote down Andy and Kyle's names. Deciding to write down in what ways they were alike. And in what ways they were different. Both boys seemed to like protecting other people's feelings instead of their own. Andy wasn't as quiet as Kyle was. He suspected that was a learned thing that Kyle had to do. Keep quiet when he was being berated. But speak up when someone was hurting his little sister. Another thing that made them different. As Andy was an only child, while Kyle was an older brother. One that seemed to take on the role of a parent too soon. Making the Buddi wonder if that was all older siblings or not. Or if Kyle was the only one who had to be 'Dad number 2'. Ignoring this, he continued to write their differences and how they were alike.
Both boys had brown eyes. They were both very artistic and had similar styles. They didn't own a laptop or their own T.V. And they seemed to lie to protect their loved ones' feelings.
Kyle was just more subdued than Andy was in terms of personality. Much more mature, but that was probably the age difference. Since Kyle was four to three years older than his best friend. Had suffered much more than him as well. At least, as far as Chucky could remember he did. And Kyle was much taller than Andy was too. The older teen also seemed to be much scrawnier than the younger one as well. Unhealthily so, in Chucky's opinion. Stopping writing as he stared down at the words he had written down. Reviewing them for a little bit before setting the pencil down. Finding it strange just how more of a meek person Kyle seemed to be in comparison. Andy wasn't exactly a boisterous person. But he had friends, games, and was into a lot of stuff. While Kyle was withdrawn, quiet, and protective of his little sister. Probably, more than most siblings.
Closing the book, he looked up at the older teen again. Who was deep in thought as he was writing his next chapter. The story was quite engaging so far. A young Prince being helped out of a maze of monsters by a Knight. One who was based of himself and the other Buddi. He felt slightly guilty about giving that prompt to him. As it was less helping him with a story. And more trying to engage what Kyle's mental state seemed to be. His writing seemed to perfectly reflect how he was feeling slash living. Lost in a horrible situation and needing someone to guide him out of it. Which Kyle definitely needed in real life as well. And Chucky could tell that Tommy was trying his hardest to help him. Even if he didn't fully understand Kyle's feelings. The Knight was trying in his own way to protect the Prince from the rest of the Maze. Even though, it seemed like the Knight was somewhat terrifying the young Prince more than helping. Like how he showed up was somewhat threatening.
Cutting down a monster in an almost silent manner. Then walking up to the Prince with blood over himself and the ax. Not removing his helmet until after the Prince almost fainted on him.
That was almost perfectly hilarious to read too. The way the Knight was so surprised with how terrified the Prince was. Who wouldn't be if they saw someone who was planning on helping them covered in blood? Having murdered someone so brutally in front of them too? Gosh, that'd be terrible. It also vaguely reminded him of how Andy and him used to be. How terrifying it must have been for the poor younger teen. He put those thoughts aside as he cleared his throat. Getting Kyle's attention as he put on his best gentle smile. Chucky toyed with the pencil in his hand as he stared into the older teen's eyes. In a soft voice, he asked,"Can I ask you something personal, Kyle?"
"I suppose you can.",Kyle answered. Looking completely uncomfortable with the idea of being asked personal questions. Not that Chucky could blame him. Personal questions could make anyone uncomfortable. The Buddi asked,"Why do you really not have a lot of stuff for? I doubt it's just because you don't 'need a lot of stuff'."
That made Kyle squirm slightly on his bed as he stared at Chucky. Putting his pencil in his writing journal, he answered,"...my Dad used to break a lot of my stuff when I was younger. He'd get mad at me for leaving it out by accident. Or not picking it up right away."
"So I haven't had a lot of stuff because I don't want it thrown away.",Kyle added. Shrugging his shoulders as he went back to his saved spot in his journal. Continuing to write as if he hadn't said something sad in the slightest bit. Chucky felt a flash of anger at this information. Making him feel better about killing the bastard. Who breaks kids' stuff because they didn't clean them up right away? Or left them out by accident? Why didn't Joanna do anything about it? His hands tightened around the pencil until it snapped in half. Both halves landing on the bed with a soft 'thud'. That prompted the teen to glance down at him with a confused look on his face. The Buddi stated,"That sounds terrible, Kyle. You didn't deserve to have that happen to you."
"I guess so. I mean, I could have put them away.",Kyle said. Surprising the Buddi with how easy he blamed himself for that. It was kind of sad how easily the older teen seemed to deflect blame from his late Father. Picking up the pencil halves, Chucky chimed,"Even if you didn't put them away, you didn't deserve your belongings destroyed. That wasn't the right way for him to have handled it. And he definitely knew it wasn't, Kyle."
"Your Dad was a Grade 'A' asshole and monster.",he added. Putting the pencil halves into the pocket of his overalls. Then crossing his arms as he stared up at the older teen. Who was glancing down at him with a slightly confused look. As if this somehow hadn't occurred to the teen before all of this. Which, he wasn't sure how it couldn't have. It seemed so obvious to Chucky. How in the world couldn't it be to Kyle? Shoving those thoughts to the side, Chucky asked,"Do you think your Dad would've been in the right if he broke Glenda's things? Just because she was forgetful?"
"...no. He wouldn't have.",Kyle admitted. Looking slightly uncomfortable with the Buddi's line of questioning. Though he couldn't entirely understand why Kyle would be. Chucky felt he had to keep it up for the older teen to understand. That what his Dad had done to him wasn't his fault. Nor would it have ever been. He scooted a little closer to Kyle as he questioned,"So by that logic, can we say that what he did to you wasn't okay? That he was an asswipe for breaking your things like that?"
"I guess so.",the teen answered. His voice sounding barely louder than a whisper to Chucky. A frown coming to his face as he chewed his pencil eraser. The mixture of emotion on his face was somewhat unreadable as he stared at Chucky. Making the Buddi feel slightly uncomfortable with it. Getting up, he walked over to Kyle. Carefully reaching up and pulling the pencil away from the older teen. Setting it down on the bed along with the journal. Holding his arms up, Chucky asked,"Would you like a hug, Kyle? I know it won't do much. But it might help you feel a little better."
After a moment of hesitation, Kyle nodded as he picked up the Buddi. Pulling Chucky into his arms and wrapping them as tightly as possible. Chucky pressed his cheek against the left side of Kyle's neck as he hugged him back. Gently rubbing his shoulder blades in what he hoped would be a soothing gesture. Murmuring soft words of reassurance as he did so. And hoping that Tommy would be too busy helping out Glenda to notice that he was hugging Kyle. Otherwise, he'd have another conversation of annoyed and jealous ranting to put up with. Sure, he wasn't interested in Kyle that way. But he doubted that Tommy would understand or want to understand. All Chucky was trying to do for him was be a good friend too. Help him in ways that he couldn't help Andy. It was also good practice for him. Learn how to help someone that wasn't his best friend heal.
While they hugged, Kyle was internally freaking out. Unsure of why Chucky had been saying all of these things. Or for what purpose. It just didn't make sense. There was no real benefit of him bringing up things from Kyle's past. Nor was there any reason to try and soothe him either. All this felt like was him trying to butter Kyle up. Manipulate him into thinking that he was on his side. When in reality he was probably just trying to get back into Andy's good graces. Putting those thoughts aside, Kyle pulled Chucky tighter to his chest. Smiling slightly as the Buddi rubbed his back. Almost like Tommy usually did when they last hugged. So sweet, so soothing. Just what the teen really needed and wanted at that moment. Just, not from Chucky.
He wanted Tommy. Wanted Tommy to be the one to rub his shoulders. Tommy to be the one to whisper soft encouraging words to him. And tell him the things he needed to hear.
Instead of saying this, he just let Chucky hug him for as long as he wanted. Untensing himself the best he could and letting out a sigh of relief. Soon as he did, the Buddi let go of him carefully. Kyle set him back down on the bed. Carefully picking up the journal and the pencil as well. Turning slightly to set the pair on his dresser. Then taking the sketch book and putting it up there as well. Checking his phone for the time. Noticing that it was nine-forty-five. He sighed as he put his phone back then grabbed his crutches. Slipping off of his bed, he stated,"I better go brush my teeth. It's gonna be one long day tomorrow."
"Okay. I'll be waiting for you, Kyle.",Chucky stated. Giving him a small smile when the teen looked back at him. Kyle returned the smile before heading off to the bathroom. Leaving the Buddi to watch him as he wondered why he went to bed so early. Most teens around his age usually didn't go to bed until eleven or so. It seemed weird that Kyle went to bed so early. Then he reminded himself that he probably did that so he could care for Glenda. Something that either Joanna couldn't do because of her job. Or because she wasn't doing well. Either option didn't make the Buddi happy in the slightest about that. Chucky wouldn't attack her or kill her. No, he needed to prove not only to Andy that he had changed.
But to Kyle as well.
As Andy seemed to trust Kyle's judgement. Even though it seemed like he barely knew the older teen. Something that would have made the Buddi somewhat jealous. Instead, he found himself wanting to prove himself to Kyle as well. Maybe it was just how sweet he was. Treating Chucky like a normal person instead of a burden. Or just how seemingly endless his patience was as well. There was just something that drew him into the older teen. Something that he couldn't entirely explain just yet. Yet, he could feel it all the same. Putting those thoughts aside, Chucky decided to make Kyle's bed ready for him. Pulling the bedding before fluffing up the pillows. While he did this, he decided to hum the Buddi song. Smiling slightly as he worked.
A moment later, he heard the light-switch flick off in the bathroom. Followed by the sounds of Kyle moving in the hallway. Turning slightly, Chucky glanced at the doorway. Where Kyle was moving carefully to turn off the light-switch. Soon as he did, he partially closed the door behind himself. Walking up to his bed and sitting down near him. Leaning the crutches against the dresser before laying down on the bed. Chucky curled up close to the teen. Who draped his arm around the Buddi's tiny body as he relaxed. Using his other arm to pull up the blankets around him. Yawning, he whispered,"Goodnight, Chucky. See you in the morning."
"Goodnight, Kyle. Pleasant dreams.",Chucky whispered back. Pressing his cheek against the teen's chest to listen to his heart beat. Which made him miss the way Andy's heart beat sounded. Part of him wished that he could be with him right then. Chucky wondered how well the younger teen was sleeping. If he was doing okay or not. If Andy needed someone to snuggle him or sing to him so he could sleep. Probably not the Buddi song. Since that seemed to annoy him their first night together. Remembering the way Andy begged him to be silent so he could sleep. Which somewhat embarrassed him at remembering the way he just kept singing instead. While he cuddled Kyle, he decided to just hum a normal lullaby instead. Carefully watching the older teen's face as he did so.
Unsure if Kyle was really falling asleep yet or not. As the dim lighting in the room didn't show him that much. But as far as he could tell, it seemed to be working. A moment later, Kyle's breathing grew more even. A few soft snores came from him. While they laid together, he carefully checked the doorway for the other Buddi. Noticing that he wasn't there. And guessed that he probably was cuddling Glenda in her room. Instead of going to check, Chucky just pressed his cheek against Kyle's chest. Continuing to listen to his heart beating with a small smile. Wondering how well he was really doing with Kyle. If he was actually even helping him feel better. As the teen could have been pretending to be fine and wasn't. But he had to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Kyle could be fine with him giving him so much attention. Treating him like he wanted to treat Andy like before. Before things got complicated with them. Thanks to Chucky accidentally hurting him instead of his original target. Who he shouldn't have tried to hurt either. At least with Kyle, he can practice what was okay. And what wasn't. If he did mess up, Chucky was comforted with the knowledge that Kyle would explain why it wasn't okay. In calmer detail than Andy would have. And not be shoved into the closet or left alone in his bedroom. Or have his core torn out when he was only trying to 'help'.